Preliminary VALS literacy and SOL pass-rate charts show gains in early grades and strong science results, leaders say

Dr. Trosper (staff presenter) gave the board preliminary assessment results for the division's new VALS literacy screener and tentative SOL pass rates, describing fall‑to‑spring VALS movement and percentile rankings versus a large consortium of peers.

The presenter said VALS, expanded for 2024 to grades K–8, categorizes students as high, moderate or low risk and is intended to guide early interventions. In Bedford County's spring results, staff reported that kindergarten low‑risk percentages nearly doubled from fall to spring (Bedford 54.85% low risk in kindergarten, still about five percentage points lower than the state in that grade) and that the division outperformed the state in low‑risk percentages for second and third grades (report cited +6.73 and +34.75 points, respectively, in low‑risk categories compared with Virginia). The presenter said high‑risk third‑grade students remained a concern (about one quarter of third graders were in the high‑risk band after spring testing) and noted the division will focus interventions in the affected grades.

On preliminary SOL pass rates, the presenter reported mixed results across subjects and grades: - Math: Algebra pass rates and percentile rankings dipped from last year (personnel and standard changes cited). Grade 8 math improved and other grade‑level math pass rates were largely in the expected range. - English/reading: Several middle and elementary grades showed double‑digit percentile improvement versus the comparison consortium; high‑school writing and multiple elementary grades improved. - Science: The division posted substantial gains; biology percentile ranking rose (presenter cited +22 points), grade 5 science improved (+26 points) and the new grade 8 science cohort ranked in the 92nd percentile, which the presenter called a substantial improvement tied to a revised middle‑school science sequence. - Social studies: Civics and world geography showed improvements; U.S. history remained steady.

Why it matters: VALS is an early screener that drives targeted reading supports; SOL pass rates and percentile rankings are used for accreditation and comparative performance analysis. The presenter said the division compares itself to a CIP consortium of 72 divisions to produce percentile rankings that contextualize performance under new, more rigorous standards.

Board discussion and context Board members asked for clarification about how to read the fall‑to‑spring difference figures and whether the percent differences represented Bedford minus state. The presenter explained the fall‑to‑spring comparisons and said that some third‑grade high‑risk students remain highly resistant to rapid change and will require more intensive interventions. Board members asked about summer programming; staff said summer school and extended learning opportunities were offered but attendance varied.

Next steps described by staff - Targeted interventions for kindergarten–third grade to move more children into the low‑risk VALS band. - Continued fidelity to evidence‑based reading curriculum (the division is entering year 3 of the current curriculum) and expanded reading interventions for identified students. - Math curriculum rollout: staff cited a new math curriculum and teacher training planned for the coming weeks and expected to improve math outcomes over time. - Accreditation data: the presenter said finalized accreditation ratings were not yet available and expected (estimates reported in the meeting) in the September–March window depending on state release timing.

Ending Staff characterized the overall picture as mixed but improving in targeted areas; no formal board votes were taken on the assessment reports during the meeting. The division will continue to present updates as more finalized accreditation and assessment data become available.